The Daily Makeup Edit

It's been a loooong, long time since I've done any sort of "daily makeup" routine post on the blog, and seeing as I've stuck to a pretty solid routine for the past several months, I figured I should update you guys! This post will also serve somewhat as a September favourites as I haven't really been using or loving anything new, just the same old shiz! I think that will change in the coming months though as I've broken my spending ban (a pretty lax one at that) and made a Colourpop order, and I anticipate I will be buying a bunch more with the impending holiday releases! I'm pretty proud of myself though, I pretty much hadn't bought anything since the Sweet Peach Palette which was all the way back in May! Anyway, if any of y'all are OG readers, some of these products might take you waaay back into the archives! I should say, I don't necessarily wear this makeup everyday but this look is typically my go-to for work (without the eye products) or long days at uni!

Shaken, not Stirred

You guys might already be sick of seeing the Lancome Juicy Shakers as they've been everywhere lately, but I figured they deserved a post to themselves! I mean, look at how adorable they are! The Juicy Shakers are a fresh take on the OG Juicy Tubes which I remember collecting as a kid (they came with GWPs that my mum and grandma got) and I used to think I was da shiz. Looking back, they were terribly sticky and sooo shimmery! Definitely outdated now. The updated version are essentially a lip oil - not sticky at all and super wearable! I purchased Freedom of Peach (of course) myself, but I was also lucky enough to win Bohemian Raspberry (A+ name) in Mel's giveaway. Thanks so much Mel! Anyway, let's dive into the review!

Monthly Favourites // June 2016

Whelp, June went like that *snaps fingers*. Which is unfortunate because, that means I'm back to uni soon...*cries*. I'd like to think I've been making good use of my holidays so far but let's be real, I've been sleeping in till midday and marathoning TV shows. But - I did join a gym this month! What?! Who am I?! True story. Although I'm a self-professed couch potato, I did finally join after my mother's incessant nagging. My friend (ayo Yas) is a gym junkie so at least I have a gym buddy! So far it's been pretty good though - I mostly just do classes because the machines are intimidating lbr. Anyways - let's get onto da faves!

Monthly Favourites | August 2013

And so comes the end to another month! We are getting closer and closer to the end of 2013 - shocker!! I don't have very many new favourites this month, but I have also been testing quite a few new products which will probably crop up in next month's faves. Onto the goods!

First up my skincare favourite of the month has been the Soap & Glory Night in shining armour cream. I haven't done a full review on this yet but it's a work in progress! I've been thoroughly enjoying using this cream lately (not just through August). It's a pretty basic night cream as it does what it's meant to - moisturise the skin really well. I've also really been liking mixing in Rosehip oil to add a teensy bit more moisture but also to aid with dark spot correction.

A new product I've been using is the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer which my sister gave me. I hardly use primers, the only other one I've tried is the Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot which I honestly found to do nothing for me. This one I find helps more so in the longevity department. I find my foundation just wears better and looks better by the end of the day when I use this primer. I'll probably do a full review on this one also, so keep an eye out!

My brush fave this month has been the Real Techniques Deluxe crease brush from the Starter set which I just reviewed. I really like using this for applying and blending out concealer. It's much quicker and easier than using fingers and it lends a much more flawless finish.

I've also really liked using the Neutrogena Hand Cream this month which I got in the sample pack a few months ago. I don't love this all over the hands, but more so in particular dry areas. The texture is quite weird, very thick and ointment like. It doesn't spread very well over the hands. It doesn't leave a very greasy or sticky residue though. Lately parts of my hands have been quite dry and itchy and I find this has been soothing those areas quite well.

A repeat offender in the favourites department is the Lancome Hypnose Precious Cells mascara. I seriously love this stuff! I am treasuring my little sample tube, haha, despite my love I don't think I could ever (at least in the near future) shell out that much on a mascara. I've talked about it enough but I seriously love the natural, thickened and fluttery lashes this gives me. Also no smudging - bonus!

The blush I've been using pretty much everyday this month is the Estee Lauder Tender Blusher in Fresh Plum. This has been discontinued unfortunately :( and it's actually my mum's haha, but I adore the shade! It is a lovely dusty plum/mauve perfect for the cooler weather (which will soon be gone)! Despite its deeper, cooler tone it was still quite brightening on the face and also quite natural. 

The perfect complement to that blush is the Estee Lauder Signature Hydralustre lipstick in Soft Amethyst. I've worn this lipstick all through Autumn/Winter so it's more of a seasonal favourite than a monthly one, but I still wanted to mention it! It's a gorgeous plummy mauve shade that is purple but very wearable and nice for any occasion!

The other lipstick I've been reaching for a lot this month is another repeat fave, the Essence lipstick in All about Cupcake. This is a great shade that I gravitate towards all the time. It's a pinky-nude shade which I find is a great My-lips-but-pinker shade. It is sheer and glossy with a slight moisturising factor.

Hand cream, All about cupcake, Soft Amethyst, Fresh Plum

I also want to sneak in a bit of an UNfavourite this month - not makeup related- but it was hands down the The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones movie which came out recently. I have been reading the books (currently on the latest one!) and have been really enjoying them. I was super excited for the movie but honestly, and many a fan (of the books) can attest, that it was a complete and utter fail. It did not stay true to the plot of the books, most of the acting was poorly and there was hardly any chemistry between the main couple. They completely butchered the plot! They put things in from two books away, and spoiled major aspects of the future story lines. The only good thing about the movie was Robert Sheehan (who played Simon) because he is such a cutie and honestly one of the only good actors in the movie. I would not recommend seeing this movie, but if you do, please don't judge the books on the merit of the movie! The books are very good! Rant over, haha.

Ugh, I can't bear to look at it.

Those were my favourites for the month of August! I expect I'll have a much more exciting one for next month - yay Spring!

What have you guys been loving this month?

Empties #2

Hey guys! Today I have another empties post as it has been about 3 months since my last one! I finished up a few products but I also culled a few makeup items from my collection! Let's get into it!

Hair and body first!

Salon Professional Repair Mask:

This was a small size hair mask which I used up. I quite liked this and it claimed to repair the hair, etc. but you can't really tell if it does can you? I found that it was only slightly more moisturising than my conditioner so I didn't find it particularly great as a mask. As expected though, it left my hair feeling soft and nourished.

Repurchase? No, there are better hair masks out there.

Organic Everescents Organic Bergamot Conditioner:

I finished up a travel size (100mL) of this conditioner for normal/dry hair. I really like this brand as it is totally organic, no sulphates, etc however I did not really like this product. I found that it didn't really do anything for my hair - it sort of just went on then rinsed out, without providing any moisture. I ended up using this to clean my brushes in the end. I have tried the moisturising shampoo and conditioner from this brand which I much prefer!

Repurchase? No

Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen:

This actually isn't empty but rather expired (about a year ago too...whoops!). I really enjoyed this sunscreen however I like the Dry Touch one much better (also from Neutrogena). I find this one is slightly more greasy, but not at all bad for wearing under makeup.

Repurchase? No

Crabtree & Evelyn Summer Hill Body wash:

Another mini body wash, this one also from a gift set I received. I like to alternate between body washes and the Dove beauty bars so I'm mostly trying to use them up! They're all pretty much the same to me, and the scent wasn't bad but I got pretty bored with it.

Repurchase? Nope, already moved on to other body washes!

Some skincare - yay!

Garnier Dark Spot corrector:

I've already got a review up here so I won't talk too much about it. I thoroughly enjoyed this product and loved it as a morning time moisturiser. I found it actually really did help with my acne scarring in lightening it, however it did not totally diminish them. 

Repurchase? I already have!

Origins Super Spot Remover:

I also have a review on this here. I found this a little bit underwhelming probably due to the fact that it was very raved about. It wasn't a bad spot treatment by any means, but I found it didn't clear up spots that quickly, and they still left scars.

Repurchase? Not at the moment, I wouldn't rule it out, but I definitely want to try others first.

Clinique All about eyes eye cream:

Another sample size, however this one lasted legit AGES. I swear, eye cream samples are, like, a full size product in themselves. I found this moisturising and if I put it on on a late night or before an early morning (pretty much if I'm not going to get much sleep) it helped prevent the puffy eyes I tend to get. I don't have problems with dark circles so I can't comment on that.

Repurchase? I've actually got another of these waiting in the wings, but I probably wouldn't purchase it - it's expensive and I like trying new things!

The next three products I spoke about in my Little Luxuries post so I won't ramble too much!

Clinique Moisture surge intense:

Lovely moisturiser! Very light on the skin, but intensely moisturising!

Repurchase? I would consider in the future, however I've got another night cream I'm using now.

SKII Cellumination Essence and Whitening Source Derm Brightener:

Honestly, I didn't notice anything drastic with these products. They are only sample sizes so they didn't have a lot of opportunity to work wonders. I noticed maybe, a slight, brightening effect with the Cellumination Essence, but not much. I'm actually using another of the Cellumination Essence, so we'll see how it goes!

Repurchase? No, they are very expensive and I wasn't impressed with the samples.

Maybelline Baby lips in Mango Pie:

I've finished about five tubes of this stuff (different flavours) and I used to be infatuated! However, I've come to quite dislike the formula. It is quite cream-y as opposed to a gel or a balm and inexplicably it feels weird on my lips, coupled with the scent and taste of the product. Not a bad lip balm at all and I like the inclusion of SPF 15 however I feel I have out grown these!

Repurchase? Maybe in the future, but probably only the menthol flavour as that was my favourite.

Estee Lauder More Than Mascara:

I do believe that this has been discontinued but this was my favourite mascara at one point. I loved the very natural, fluttery lash look it gave me with no clumps in sight! It didn't flake or smudge on me and I absolutely love the wand. I do think that this has a nourishing formula for the lashes? I actually did notice that my baby lashes grew quicker with this (maybe it's my imagination?).

Estee Lauder Double Wear concealer:

This was a smaller size and I enjoyed using it. I found it quite long wearing however it did accentuate dry patches as it wore. It was suitable under the eyes and on blemishes, however like I said it did cling to dry skin.

Repurchase? No, there are many other concealers I would like to try!

I wouldn't typically include sachet samples but I thought I would share my thoughts on these.

Peter Thomas Roth Camu Camu brightening serum:

This 2mL sample lasted me quite a little while though and I have to say I quite liked this! It smelled of oranges which was very enjoyable. I didn't love that it left my face feeling sticky though. In terms of brightening, suprisingly I think it did help miniscule-ly in fading dark spots. 

Purchase? Probably not, at least not until I get my hands on a few more samples.

Jurlique Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator:

I had two of these so I have a resigned opinion on them. I was very excited to use these as they contain AHAs (exfoliating acids) which I've wanted to try for a while, however these sort of did nothing for me. I didn't feel any sensation that indicated that they were working, and my skin texture nor appearance improved after use. Humph.

Purchase? No

The stuff I'm clearing out are pretty much a bunch of lipglosses and a mascara. The mascara is the Maybelline Sky High Curves which has long since been discontinued. It left my lashes a clumpy mess with little length, volume or curl. The lipglosses are mostly sticky and yuk (Model Co and Lancome Juicy Tube minis) or old and yuk (Designer brands). The Designer Brands ones actually weren't that sticky but I've had them for long enough, and the shades are too sparkly for my liking.

WHEW. That was a long ass empties post. If you made it to the end CONGRATS. I realise I wouldn't repurchase the majority of these products which is sad, but I absolutely love trying new things and hardly bog myself down to one product and a lot of these didn't work too well for me, and I feel there are better ones out there yet to be tried! And so, we wait for the next empties to roll around...

Monthly Favourites | June 2013

Oh em gee. Where has the month, year, TIME gone?! I can't even fathom the fact that 2013 is almost over (pretty much)!! Enough rambling about my lack of understanding of how time works, here are the products and items I've been loving this month!

Not a whole lot of new products this month but starting out with the face:

My skincare fave for the month has definitely been the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo which I have a full review on here. I've been using and loving this product for almost two months and I feel that it has definitely helped clear up my skin, prevent breakouts and improve the texture of it. This is definitely nearing HG (holy grail) status for me!

For base, I've been enjoying mixing a couple of products. I used to really love the Garnier BB cream for Combination/oily skin (in shade Medium) which I've written about briefly here, but I've found that the colour is still a bit off for me, especially as it is Winter now. It's quite orangey and when applied to its fullest potential it definitely looks a bit oompa-loompa-y. I do however love the lightweight texture and coverage of it so I have started mixing it with my Estee Lauder Idealist which I've mentioned here. This is a brightening serum but one that contains a pearlescent shimmer. By mixing the two together, it sheers out the BB cream a bit and adds a bit of a dewiness. The Idealist doesn't at all affect the wear time of the BB cream either.

My favourite brush of the month has been the Real Techniques Stippling brush which I have been using for a couple of things. Firstly, to apply the aforementioned foundation mixture. This brush applies it lightly and sheerly with circular motions. Therefore there is less of an orangey tone from the BB cream. I can then stipple in areas where I need more coverage. The finish is very natural and light. I've also been using the brush to apply my cream blush concoction which I talked about in my last post. It applies it really nicely and evenly to the cheeks, blending effortlessly. The light peachy-pink shade provides a wonderful bright and glowy effect.

I've also really been enjoying the Korner Mystify Exotic Flower Dew which is a face mist made to calm and revive the skin. My mum actually got this on an aeroplane so I'm not sure where you can buy this brand, but probably online. I've been using this almost as a finishing spray but not to prolong the wear of my makeup but more so if I have over powdered or the skin is looking quite matte, I spray this over lightly and it gives a bit of dewiness and takes away the powdery look. It doesn't make the skin oilier though throughout the day. It also has quite a pleasant floral scent.

I've been really liking the Original & Mineral No Knott conditioning detangler (review here) particularly this month. My hair has been quite damaged lately - lots of split ends - causing quite a bit of tangles and knots. I'm going in for a trim this week though! This detangler has been really nice and you only need a few spritzes for it to work well. It contains a few oils that help nourish the hair as well.

I have a couple of lip things which are both suprisingly glossy liquidy products! First up is the Witchery Lip gloss wand in the shade Blossom which I've reviewed in full here. I've been really liking this for a light, easy but bright lip and it's definitely been one of my go-to's this month! Next is the Rimmel Apocalips in the shade Celestial which I've reviewed here. When I want a more neutral, MLBB shade I opt for this. I choose to apply this rather thinly to the lips. When slathered on thick, the product can smear and move around quite a bit on the lips. When applied thinly, you don't get as much gloss, but still great colour payoff and no moving around!

My mascara fave this month has been the Lancome Hypnose Precious cells mascara which I've talked a little bit more in depth about here. This has been a great daily mascara, giving me nice fluttery lashes with great separation and length. 

Lastly for a nail favourite, I've been loving the Revlon Colorstay topcoat. This is really great as it dries rather quickly and not just to the touch but like, actually fully dry. No sheet marks the next morning! It is very shiny and my nail polish lasts super well. I typically change my polish every 4 days and with this I have no chips and minor tip wear!

Blossom, Celestial, Cream blush, Idealist, BB cream

So those are all my favourites for the month of June. It'll be Christmas before you know it!

What have you guys been loving this month?

Little Luxuries

Hello everyone! Today I have a bit of a different post all about samples - or rather those adorable deluxe sized ones that are mini versions of the full size. I have quite the collection of these (more than you see here), mainly due to the lot my mum has accumulated over the years. I seriously love the idea of these minis - they are completely free, some come in boxes with information pamphlets and sometimes they even give you a little baggie! It feels like you just bought something, but you didn't! They give you a great opportunity and a decent amount of product to try something a bit more expensive and get an idea of whether you like it, or it works for you. Most of my minis have been acquired either by asking, or through Gift With Purchases. 

Most of the bits are skincare, so I will start of with them.

Skincare is probably the easiest to get samples of, as it's definitely something that may not work or have an adverse reaction to your skin, in which case you definitely wouldn't want to have paid full price!

Clinique Moisture Surge Intense:

This little pot contains 7mL of product and I have been using it for the past 2 weeks and am only halfway! This is a really beautiful moisturiser - it is a gel-creme formulation which is super lightweight and fast absorbing, though very hydrating. It works well for my combination skin as a night cream, also as my skin is starting to get a bit dryer now that it is Winter. This could work well for dryer skins even as a day cream as it is not too heavy. It really helps moisturise those dry flaky patches. If I were to splurge on a moisturiser, this would be an option!

Estee Lauder Idealist:

This is supposed to be a serum that evens out the skintone and illuminates the complexion. I had funny feelings about this when I initially opened it as it contains sparkles. They are actually very pretty - almost like a iridescent pearl. After reading reviews online, I saw that many people said it didn't work well even after using a whole full-sized bottle. I figured I wasn't going to see any drastic results from my 7mL sample, so I decided to put the shimmer to use. I now almost use it as if it were a liquid illuminator, the shimmer it gives off is very subtle and natural. I like mixing it with matte foundations/BB creams and it makes the base a bit more dewy, and suprisingly doesn't affect the wear time or oil-controlling abilities. Obviously, I wouldn't suggest buying the full size to use as an illuminator, but maybe if you have the sample at home you can put it to a new use. 

Blob, blended

 Estee Lauder Daywear:

This little tube is 5mL which I find lasts a really good while. This is a really lovely day moisturiser that contains SPF 15. It's a lovely texture that sinks in well, is not heavy and is suitable for normal and combination skin. I really like this moisturiser and it mixes well with foundations.

SKII Cellumination Essence:

SKII is a very expensive Japanese brand that my mum has gotten quite a few samples from, haha. The two I've tried though I will be talking about. The first is this serum which is supposed to brighten the complexion. I've been using it for the past 2 weeks and honestly haven't noticed a difference. My skin looks slightly brighter but nothing really noticeable. The texture is very thin and sinks in immediately. It has no other benefits - it isn't moisturising or anything else. Not worth the money to be honest.

SKII Whitening Source Derm Brightener:

This is a moisturiser that I've been using mainly to help lighten dark spots. It is a thick cream that almost feels velvety when applied. For such a texture, It is not as moisturising as I thought. I have noticed the slightest lightening of my acne scars but for the price, I find the Garnier Dark Spot Correcter does a better job and is a much nicer texture and provides other benefits to the skin.

I don't have very many 'makeup' items and these you generally can't get for free outright, most are from GWP.

Lancome Hypnose Precious Cells Mascara:

I find these little sample tubes actually last a really long time. I absolutely love this mascara!  It is pretty much everything I look for in one - lengthening, defining and just in general making it look like I have more lashes. It gives that really fluttery lash look. It doesn't hold a curl but it's not waterproof, but it doesn't smudge or flake on me either. The wand is really cool and I think really helps with application. On one side it has shorter bristles and the other has longer ones. I apply with the shorter bristles then rotate and comb through with the longer ones to get good separation.

Longer, shorter

Shiseido Advanced Perfomance lipstick in Mauve Breeze:

Actually not a fan at all of this shade, and maybe it's just old but the formula is hard and sticky - yuck. The colour is an orangey-brown which would completely clash with my skintone. I had to include it though, because I have no other mini makeup, it's so darn cute in mini size!

Marc Jacobs Dot Perfume:

This vial size of perfume is really common and these you can get for free. I find they are really good for in the handbag or travel. I have a heap of these, Dot is a really lovely floral.

Estee Lauder Sensuous Nude:

These sizes are generally in GWP, but you can get them for free sometimes. These are also good for handbag or travel and are so cute in their mini bottles! I like Sensuous Nude better than the original, it's a very demure, subtle, classy scent.

OPI Nail lacquers:

These you can't get for free, they can be purchased in sets of four. They contain a tiny amount of 3.75mL which I think is probably the smallest you can get without being ridiculous. I like the idea of mini nail polish but I think these should be 5mL, rounds it off and the bottle wouldn't be so tiny. Tiny bottle = tiny brush. Also they aren't labelled which is so annoying!

L'Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate:

This was in a GWP, and is their very famous body lotion. It smells DIVINE. It's like a dollop cream consistency - so nicee! Ruth Crilly has named this the best body lotion ever so...

I hope this post wasn't too long! These are the minis I've been using lately, and I assure you there are more where they came from...

Do you have a lot of minis? Do you like the idea of them?

Monthly Favourites | April 2013

Hey guys, it's time for my April Favourites! I am just baffled that we are already almost halfway through the year - where did it go?! Anyways, these are the products I've been using throughout the month.

For the makeup bits:

For base, I've been absolutely loving the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation. I picked this up off of Ozsale and have been using it for the past 2-3 weeks. I just love the finish, texture and coverage of this product! It's a dream to blend and looks so natural on the skin. I'll have a full review up soon though!

For blush, I've been using the Essence Home Sweet Home blush in the shade 02 Wool-d you cuddle me which I have a review on here. It's a really pretty peachy-pink shade that looks really nice and natural on the cheeks and imparts a beautiful glow. I find it also lasts a really long time too!

On my lips has been the L'oreal Nutri-Shine lipstick in the shade Pink Nude which I have a review on here. Awesome, super flattering peach-pink-nude shade. Love.

For mascara I've been using the Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus which was actually in my January Favourites also (review here), while I've been using it throughout the months between, I've just been gravitating towards it a lot this month. It keeps my curl and looks wonderfully natural which is just my cup of tea!

Eyeshadow wise, gotta give it to the Maybelline Color Tattoo in the shade Bad to the Bronze which I've also reviewed here. I don't often wear eyeshadow day to day, on weekends if I want to though, this has generally been my pick! So easy to slick on, beautiful shade to boot! Though it does crease on me, so a primer is needed underneath.

For some sort of 'skincare' bits:

As the aforementioned mascara is waterproof, to remove it I love Lancome Bi-Facil. This is an awesome eye makeup remover that removes waterproof mascara really easily, I just soak a cotton pad and hold in over for 30 seconds, wipe it away a couple times and ta-da! I only have a mini and probably won't purchase as it is quite exxy, but a lovely product!

Lately, I've been really getting into face masks and absolutely adore what they do for my skin. This month I've been loving the Origins Clear Improvement mask which is a white clay and active charcoal mask that really cleans out those pores. It makes my skin feel super clean and fresh and helps bring acne to the surface, and I've found it's helped with it in general. I've used this sample size 3 times and am itching to pick up the full size!

I've been using the Trilogy Rosehip Oil for a few months but particularly this month I've been loving it. Especially after face masks, I find it really helps inject some moisture back into my skin and brightens and smooths a bit too. I just use 2-3 drops and press it into my face and it works a treat!

So those were my favourites, some old and some new!

What have been you guys' faves this month?